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I 20 May 2025
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The dispute escalates as Noosa Council union members rally for their fourth strike outside Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club. Image: The Services Union.
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The fourth Noosa Council TSU strike fuels pay standoff BY SARAH JANE SCOTT ON Thursday 1 May, dozens of union members began a half-day strike and rally at the Noosa Heads Lions Park as part of their ongoing campaign for fair pay and improved working conditions. The action resulted in the unionrepresented council staff being locked out for two full days, marking the latest escalation in a dispute that has yet to reach resolution. “Our members work tirelessly every day, providing vital
services to their community and they deserve a living wage which reflects the cost of living in Noosa,” said Tom Rivers, lead organiser for The Services Union, following the fourth round of industrial action taken by Noosa Council workers earlier this month. According to Tom, a recent meeting with Noosa Council CEO Larry Sengstock failed to shift the dial. “Despite the CEO’s claim that the meeting was to ‘expedite an agreed position’, the council is still offering an inadequate wage
increase,” he said. Tom highlighted that Noosa Council has “$120.9 million in cash reserves, a 20 per cent vacancy rate, and a 16.2 per cent staff turnover rate”. He said these figures show the council is in a position to do more, and that continued inaction risks “further destabilising an already overburdened workforce”. In response, CEO Larry Sengstock defended the council’s approach and financial position. “We provided a revised pay offer last week of an additional half a per cent to
take the total wage increase to 14 per cent over three years, which was rejected by the unions,” he said. Following the strike, council implemented a two-day lockout of participating staff on 1 and 2 May. Larry said employees were advised in advance and would be unpaid during that time. “It’s unfortunate it has come to this, but while we respect an employee’s right to participate in the notified action, equally as an employer, we are taking the necessary steps under the legislation,” he said.
Larry stressed that the council’s decision was not made lightly. “The impacts of the ongoing industrial action on the community have led us to making the difficult decision of taking firmer action,” he said. He also rejected the claim that the lockout was extreme. “As for suggesting it is an extreme tactic, it is our right under the legislation and was only initiated because after offering an additional half a percent wage increase, it was flatly refused by the unions.” Continued page 2
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